Visitor Impact Task Force May 2, 2017 3:00pm Palmer Events Center Meeting Room 1-3 900 Barton Springs Rd. Austin, TX 78704 MINUTES In Attendance: Gavin Garcia - Music Industry Representative Catlin Whitington - Music Industry Representative Lulu Flores - Arts Community Representative MariBen Ramsey - Arts Community Representative James Russell - Special Events Industry Representative Shelly Schadegg - Hotel Industry Representative Bill Worsham - Public Safety Community Representative Dan Keshet - Parks Community Representative Mark Tester - Convention Center Representative Dewitt Peart - Downtown Commission Representative Jonathan Mahone - Community Member Representative Pam Thompson - Environmental Community Representative Richard Mendoza - Public Works Department Representative (ex-officio) Absent: Julie Niehoff - Special Events Industry Representative Tom Noonan - Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau Representative Alyson McGee - Preservation Community Representative Ashwin Ghatalia - Tourism Workforce Representative Stephen Sternschein - Tourism Workforce Representative Skeeter Miller - Restaurant Industry Representative Staff and Others In Attendance: Mark Washington, ACM Larry Schooler, CPIO, Facilitator Carla Steffen, Austin Convention Center Department Felicia Ojeda, Austin Convention Center Department Steve Genovesi, Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau Representative for Tom Noonan Mike Cannatii, Barton Springs Conservancy, Parks/ Historic Coalition Scott Joslove, Texas Hotel & Lodging Association Rowona Dash, Neill-Cochran House Museum Sinclair Black, Architect AGENDA 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER a. Meeting called to order at 3:03pm by Chair James Russell 2. Approval of Minutes from April 25, 2017 Meeting, all voters approved minus the absence of Task Force Members, Julie Niehoff, Tom Noonan, Alyson McGee, Ashwin Ghatalia, Stephen Sternschein and Skeeter Miller 3. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL (Split-3:06pm) a. Mike Cannatii, Barton Springs Conservancy, Parks/ Historic Coalition 4. OLD BUSINESS a. Larry Schooler discussed SpeakUpAustin.org b. Discussion on recommendations from each Task Force members to deliver to the City Council. 5. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: 5:30pm a. Scott Joslove, Texas Hotel & Lodging Association b. Rowona Dash, Neill-Cochran House Museum c. Sinclair Black, Architect 6. OLD BUSINESS – Recommendation Vote a. All Task Force members voted on the Austin Convention Center Expansion Recommendation minus the absence of Task Force Members, Julie Niehoff, Tom Noonan, Alyson McGee, Ashwin Ghatalia, Stephen Sternschein and Skeeter Miller i. 1- NO ii. 1- Not agree, but iii. 5- Agree, if iv. 6- YES 7. ADJOURNMENT a. Meeting Adjourned at 5:50pm The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. …
YES -RECOMMENDATION –NOBREAKDOWNNoDon’t Agree, butNeutral, howeverAgree, ifYes5/2/2017 AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSIONRecommendation BreakdownNo1-voteDon’t Agree, but1-voteNeutral, however0-votesAgree, if5-votesYes6-votes5/2/2017 AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSIONRecommendation Breakdown5/2/2017•No CommentNo•No, But if it is going through, we should articulate the case against for the record.Don’t Agree, but•If, no 2% increaseAgree, if•If, Palm School, MACC, Red River district projects are included. (2% Ch 351 increase) Agree, if•-Urban design thought through –street, sidewalks, -access•-Save money, improve space through sharing buildingAgree ,if•If, there is a clear set of recs for the expansion of money dedicated to music, historically under replentedgroups and dupmnt. of tourist oppsin historically under represented districts.Agree, if•If, includes 2B & Public Realm well DesignedAgree, if•No commentYes•No commentYes•No commentYes•Yes, with 2BYes•Yes, with 2BYes•Yes, excess % of funds used to support other areas without decreasing funding already in placeYes
May 1, 2017 Dear Visitor Impact Task Force Members: In previous meetings, the Task Force has been encouraged to “think big” in making its recommendations on how to best use hotel occupancy tax (HOT) revenue to impact tourism. Along these lines, we are hopeful that you will recommend creating a new “Parks and Historic Preservation Tourism Fund” as requested in the attached four-point “ask” by the parks and historic preservation advocates. To date, the Task Force discussions about the proposed “Parks and Historic Preservation Tourism Fund” have focused on funding “historic” projects which are clearly allowable uses under Chapter 351 of the Texas Tax Code. However, comments and questions at the last meeting suggest that the Task Force may be overlooking the fact that “visitor information center” projects are also allowable uses under state law that could be funded with the proposed “Parks and Historic Preservation Tourism Fund.” In support, I refer the Task Force members to the excellent publication referenced in Mr. Joslove’s comments last week, What Cities Need to Know to Administer Municipal Hotel Occupancy Taxes. In that publication, it clearly states that state law allows the “Funding the establishment, improvement, or maintenance of a … visitor information center.” See, Texas Tax Code § 351.101(a)(1) (“Revenue from the municipal hotel occupancy tax may be used only to promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry, and that use is limited to the following: (1) the acquisition of sites for and the construction, improvement, enlarging, equipping, repairing, operation, and maintenance of … visitor information centers”). State law also broadly defines the term “visitor information center” as “a building or a portion of a building used to distribute or disseminate information to tourists.” See, Texas Tax Code § 351.001(8). It should also be noted that “visitor information centers” are not required to be “primarily used to host conventions and meetings,” as that requirement applies to “convention center facilities,” but not “visitor information centers.” See, Texas Tax Code § 351.001(2) and (8). As seen from the foregoing, state law does allow HOT funding of “visitor information center” projects, provided that such projects also promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry. Examples of such projects were included in the March 28 presentation, including the proposed “Visitor Education Center” at Zilker Park which would distribute or disseminate park and environmental education information to welcome, guide, and orient tourist and visitors to the …
How Can We Make Tourism Help Our City the Most? Closed May 12, 2017 · Discussion · 27 Participants · 3 Topics · 69 Answers · 35 Replies · 19 Votes273693519PARTICIPANTSTOPICSANSWERSREPLIESVOTESSUMMARY OF TOPICSTOURISTS' CHALLENGING IMPACTS 4 Answers · 1 RepliesWhat are some of the greatest challenges posed by tourism and tourists? Seth Goodman · Citizen · (Postal Code: unknown) · Apr 25, 2017 10:44 pm 0 VotesTourists + rental cars = sad AustinitesTourists are at their worst when they are driving. Many Americans are most likely to use transit, walk, and bike while they are on vacation. We should be encouraging that to the greatest extent possible.Tourists are also a problem when they become concentrated in too small of a space. Around the convention center, we have started to create a quarter of the city that is exclusively hotels, chain restaurants aimed at catering to the lowest common denominator of taste, parking, and of course the convention center itself. Austinites generally avoid this area because it feels sterile, lacks diversity of uses, and because giant ballrooms filled with this year's hottest trends in tile and carpet are nobody's idea of a good time. It shows when there's no convention on because the streets around the convention center become a dead zone. In order for tourists to have the positive impact on the local economy that is often boasted, they need to get out and spread out and thatmeans we should distribute hotels more evenly around the walkable parts of town.Response:Coapublic Information · Admin · (Postal Code: unknown) · Apr 26, 2017 9:55 am Thanks for your comments, Seth! -ModeratorTim Altanero · Citizen · (Postal Code: unknown) · Apr 29, 2017 1:50 am 1 VotesI don't mind tourists at all.We are addressing the hotel room shortage downtown pretty well, I think.What's problematic - and this is not caused by tourists - is the lack of viable public transport. Running more busses is fine, in theory, but they are in traffic too.1 of 14Full Report How Can We Make Tourism Help Our City the Most? Closed May 12, 2017 · Discussion · 27 Participants · 3 Topics · 69 Answers · 35 Replies · 19 VotesWe need to think about the city longterm and invest in that longterm future. Yes, it will cost, but if you think about what you pay for your car every year, and how much time you spend in …
Visitor Impact Task Force April 25, 2017 3:00pm Austin Convention Center Meeting Room 5abc 500 E. Cesar Chavez Austin, TX 78701 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Gavin Garcia - Music Industry Representative Catlin Whitington - Music Industry Representative Lulu Flores - Arts Community Representative MariBen Ramsey - Arts Community Representative James Russell - Special Events Industry Representative Julie Niehoff - Special Events Industry Representative Tom Noonan - Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau Representative Shelly Schadegg - Hotel Industry Representative Bill Worsham - Public Safety Community Representative Alyson McGee - Preservation Community Representative Dan Keshet - Parks Community Representative Mark Tester - Convention Center Representative Dewitt Peart - Downtown Commission Representative Ashwin Ghatalia - Tourism Workforce Representative Stephen Sternschein - Tourism Workforce Representative Jonathan Mahone - Community Member Representative Pam Thompson - Environmental Community Representative Skeeter Miller - Restaurant Industry Representative Richard Mendoza - Public Works Department Representative (ex-officio) AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER: 3:00pm 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. From the April 11, 2017 meeting 3. OLD BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action related to additional information the task force needs from staff to complete the report required by council pursuant to Resolution No. 20160818-075. b. Discussion and possible action to make recommendations from initial ideas (post- it notes exercise) from each Task Force member on recommendations to deliver to City Council in future report. c. Discussion on a public engagement plan for Task Force (Larry Schooler). d. Discussion and possible action to scheduling and/or adding future meetings. 4. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL a. Citizens wishing to speak will need to sign up ten minutes before the meeting calls for Citizen Communications at 5:30pm. Citizen communications will be limited to the first ten speakers and each citizen communicator will be given three minutes to speak. 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS a. Discussion and possible action to make recommendations on items for future agendas 6. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Larry Schooler at Communication and Public Information Office Department, at 512.974.6004, larry.schooler@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Visitor Impact Task Force, please …
Visitor Impact Task Force April 25, 2017 3:00pm Austin Convention Center Meeting Room 5abc 500 E. Cesar Chavez Austin, TX 78701 MINUTES In Attendance: Gavin Garcia - Music Industry Representative Catlin Whitington - Music Industry Representative Lulu Flores - Arts Community Representative MariBen Ramsey - Arts Community Representative James Russell - Special Events Industry Representative Julie Niehoff - Special Events Industry Representative Tom Noonan - Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau Representative Shelly Schadegg - Hotel Industry Representative Bill Worsham - Public Safety Community Representative Alyson McGee - Preservation Community Representative Dan Keshet - Parks Community Representative Mark Tester - Convention Center Representative Dewitt Peart - Downtown Commission Representative Stephen Sternschein - Tourism Workforce Representative Jonathan Mahone - Community Member Representative Pam Thompson - Environmental Community Representative Richard Mendoza - Public Works Department Representative (ex-officio) Absent: Ashwin Ghatalia - Tourism Workforce Representative Skeeter Miller - Restaurant Industry Representative Staff and Others In Attendance: Mark Washington, ACM Carla Steffen, Austin Convention Center Department Felicia Ojeda, Austin Convention Center Department Bill Manno, City of Austin, Austin Center for Events George Cofer, Historic/ Parks/ Preservation Joe Clemens, Capital Metro Bill Bunch, Save Our Springs Alliance Scott Joslove, Texas Hotel & Lodging Association Rebecca Melancon, ABIA IBIZ Districts – Local Businesses Hill Abell, Local Business Arnold Garcia, Convention Center Staff and Others In Attendance: (con’t) Tam Hawkins Rudy Garza, Convention Center Expansion AGENDA 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER a. Meeting called to order at 3:03pm by Chair James Russell 2. Approval of Minutes from April 11, 2017 Meeting, all voters approved minus Bill Worsham (due to absence of April 11, 2017 meeting) and the absence of Task Force Members, Ashwin Ghatalia and Skeeter Miller. 3. OLD BUSINESS a. Larry Schooler discussed how Public Participation can be visible with SpeakUpAustin.org b. Chair, James Russell discussed Resolution details. c. Larry Schooler presented the February 28, 2017 meeting initial ideas for recommendations from each Task Force members to begin discussions of recommendations to deliver to the City Council. d. The Task Force voted and approved on adding an additional meeting, May 2, 2017 to the schedule. 4. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: 5:30pm a. George Cofer, Historic/ Parks/ Preservation b. Joe Clemens, Capital Metro c. Bill Bunch, Save Our Springs Alliance d. Scott Joslove, Texas Hotel & Lodging Association e. Rebecca Melancon, ABIA IBIZ Districts – Local Businesses f. Hill Abell, Local Business g. Arnold Garcia, Convention Center h. Tam Hawkins …
The Austin CVB sources research from multiple organizations and companies.For annual Economic Impact(travel spending,taxes, etc…)we source the Economic Development and Tourism Division of the Office of the Governor. The report is generated on their behalf by Dean Runyan Associates.https://travel.texas.gov/tti/media/PDFs/TXImp15pRev2_1.pdfAustin-Round Rock, TX MSA pg. 41.Dean Runyan Associates:www.deanrunyan.comDean Runyan Associates has worked for 25 years to assist with market research, planning and economic analysis for travel, tourism, recreation,and education projects. Our emphasis is on facilities and destination locations that seek economic or market information for planning, marketing, policy, evaluation and/or design. Projects range from the individual facility or event level to states and the nation.We feel that our work is an important sector of our economy and society. Our nation faces serious challenges balancing the needs of our natural areas with the imperatives of economicgrowth and job creation. Moreover, changing economic conditions and the dynamics of energy costs are particularly important to the travel and recreation industry. This turmoil notwithstanding, the recreation and tourism industry remains one of the most significant industries worldwide, and a leading growth sector in North America. Their focus is on helping travel industry businesses, attractions and destination communities that face these opportunities and challenges.Clients include-Arizona Office of Tourism, California Travel and Tourism Commission, Colorado Tourism Commission, Texas Tourism, Seattle, Sonoma, Spokane, US National Park Service.For jobs data we source the US Bureauof Labor Statistics.https://www.bls.gov/Domestic visitationdata (including profile, volume, etc..) is again sourced from the Economic Development and Tourism Division of the Office of the Governor. The research is generated on their behalf byD.K. Shifflet & Associates, Ltd. https://travel.texas.gov/tti/media/PDFs/2015-Hill-Country-Region_2.pdf-Austin-Round Rock TX MSA data begins on pg. 15and Methodology pg. 29DK Shifflet:www.dkshifflet.comDK Shiffletboasts the industry’smost complete databaseon U.S. resident travel both in the U.S. and worldwide. We collect data monthly from a U.S. representative sample adding over 60,000 traveling households annually. We’re dedicated to providing the highest-quality travel and traveler research. And have been since 1982.Clients include-Visit California, Delaware, Visit Florida, Georgia, Hawai'i Tourism Authority, Texas Tourism, Atlanta, Choose Chicago, Cleveland, Durham, NC, Los Angeles, Best Western, San Antonio, New Orleans.International visitationis sourced from several organizations and companies. Oxford Economics Global City Travel Report,the Economic Development and Tourism Division of the Office of the Governor, SMARI, and U.S. Departmentof Commerce, Stats Canada.https://travel.texas.gov/tti/media/PDFs/Texas-2015-Overseas-Visitors-to-Texas-Report-(11-2-2016)_1.pdfDatafor both reports is compiled partially from theU.S. Departmentof Commerce Office of Travel and Tourismreportshttp://tinet.ita.doc.gov/outreachpages/inbound.general_information.inbound_overview.htmlTravel Market Insights:travelmi.comTravel Market Insights services, partners with, and represents U.S. destinations and business, …
From:Karen CannattiTo:Ojeda, FeliciaCc:Schooler, LarrySubject:letter for Visitor Impact Task ForceDate:Wednesday, April 19, 2017 4:41:10 PMAttachments:winmail.datDear Visitor Impact Task Force Members:On several occasions, Mayfield Park has been recipient of funds fromthe Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau (ACVB) for preservation ofits house and grounds. We are quite grateful for this, as it hasaided us in maintaining this historic asset, which is a delight forvisitors from all over the world as well as for a great many Austinresidents.The funding has been allocated from Austin's Hotel Occupancy Tax(HOT), as allowed by State law. The law allows up to 15% of HOTrevenues to be allocated to historic preservation, but we are awarethat only a tiny portion of this potential allocation has been usedcity-wide to this end.Austin is rich with historic lands, structures, and traditions, all ofwhich contribute to the City's attraction of visitors, and all ofwhich require significant expense to maintain. Austin's parks aloneare home to many of these assets: Zilker Park with Barton SpringsPool, the Sunken Garden, and Eliza Springs; the Norwood residence;Hancock and Lions Golf Courses, the four original downtown parks;among many others. Many other very special assets are in private orState hands. All contribute greatly to Austin's tourism economy andare visited by millions annually. Yet many of these precious assetsare falling into decay for lack of adequate maintenance funding. Someare being allowed to deteriorate to ruin.Why, then, when the law endorses such significant expenditures fromthe HOT tax, should the City not allocate the full 15% annually to thethings that define Austin's heritage and make Austin an especiallyattractive place, both to tourists and residents?As you consider how Austin can best utilize its HOT tax revenues,please recognize that Austin's historic legacy is a major contributorto Austin's tourism industry, and that it contributes to the culturalrichness not only to visitors' experiences but to the lives of its owncitizens. Please fund preserving this legacy to the full extent thatthe law allows.Karen CannattiPresident -- Friends of the Parks of Austin, a 501(c)(3) non-profitserving Austin's parks since 1985
Larry Akersletter to Visitor Impact Task Force regarding Palmer Events Center Monday, April 24, 2017 1:58:57 PMFelicia,Please forward this letter and the attached document to all the members ofthe VITF. Thanks.Larry--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dear VITF members:This is a request that the VITF recommend replace the current subsidyof the operations and maintenance fund for the Palmer Events Center (PEC)via its venue project's car rental tax with funding from the HotalOccupancy Tax (HOT).-- Historic funding for Palmer Auditorium: HOT tax-- Current funding for PEC: venue-associated car rental tax-- Recommended funding: HOT taxThe case for doing so is as follows.Civic events facilities almost never finance their operations solelyfrom event revenues. Prior to the opening of the Palmer Events Center(PEC), the old Palmer Auditorium had its operating deficit covered bythe City's hotel occupancy tax. All participants in the publicprocess that created the Town Lake Community Events Center Venue Project,which included the new PEC, presumed the historical modus operandiwould continue.Voters authorized the capital improvements in the project -- the PEC,its parking garage, and the re-development of the parkland now knownas Butler Park and Auditorium Shores -- to be financed through a newtax on local car rentals. This authorization did not include use ofthe car rental tax to finance PEC operations. The stakeholders whoformulated and directed the project in its initial years neverconsidered that the tax would finance operations. The financial plan for the project formulated by Assistant City ManagerJim Smith specified car rental tax revenues being used solely to financeconstruction of the PEC, garage, and the park. The project's outlays forpark construction would not have been viable otherwise.Nevertheless, in secret sessions that were not disclosed to projectstakeholders until almost four years later and that were not discussedeven with City Council until three years later, bond covenants were developed that overturned this fiscal approach. A "waterfall" schemefor disbursal of car rental tax revenues specified that a fund foroperating the PEC would received priority funding, and park constructionwould get only the leftovers. This expenditure was specificallynot authorized by the vote that created the tax.The proof that this expenditure undermined the financial plan for thepark and venue development came when the development of Butler Park(Phase II of the park developement) was postponed for three years andthe development of Phases III and IV (the western and eastern portionsof Auditorium Shores Park, which were part of the venue) was removedcompletely from the financial forecast for the venue. The Butler Parkdelay initially cost nearly …
Only Consider Recommendations that fall within the Law (or another Law). Don’t waste time on things that can’t happenRecommend staff compilation of cultural assets of marketingFund Palmer as promisedChange over-site of Historical/ Heritage Grants define Natural or CulturalUse money for expansion toward Historical/ Heritage grantsMaintain process for funding for Arts & Music thru Cultural Arts/EDDCultural Arts-Reorganize grants to include use by organizations that do not have to have sponsor but would include strict guidelines: Art & MusicVisitor Impact Task Force Members AdditionalRecommendations -April 25, 2017 Meeting-Establish clear quantitative and qualitative measurements to evaluate proposed uses and prior uses of HOT funds. (beyond how many hotels rooms were sold or how many conventions were booked) for all recipientsIdentify non-HOT- paid tourism costs now borne by other local tax sourcesUse all money available to support Heritage/ Historical grantsPay off Convention Center without ExpansionCultural Arts-A percentage of funds already received to be used for community outreach & education as to grants available Recommend COA continue to fund analysis of creative industry with HOT to include impact on tourism economySupport thru HOT tax to Districts, Festivals, tourism, grants, etc...Partially fund public services for COA co-sponsored events with HOTExpand ACC (2B)Fund ACVB at 1.45Fund ARTS fullyFind uses for remaining waterfall...Parks/ Heritage Music IndustryClarify M&O cost to PalmerInclude Palmer on HOTMore Convention use without enlarging facilityConsider existing (example Austin American Statesman) as expansion without more Big BoxPursue option 2B of Convention Center expansion financing concept. Additional funding generated after convention center obligations split between Historical Preservations & Music IndustryRecommend form/ plan for expansionCitywide funds not just DowntownMake sure the East Side is not ForgottenConsider the geographic makeup of revenue & expendituresBe sure there is a diversity/ equity lens to consider grant requests.Allocate funding to address safety and “walk ability” issues in the Red River District and ARCR center to encourage and enhance the growth of tourism in this districtSupport Local Business Districts through tourism. Financially through HOT tax or Grants through Hot taxConsider support of AIBA (Austin Independent Business Alliance)Local & Small Businesses that serve visitors (Restaurants, Shops, Clubs, Venues, Etc...)Allow heritage money to be used on interiors as well as exteriorsDistribution of funds to beneficiaries s/h all have same information required in requestsDeciders of Grants should have connection to City. Not Separate OrganizationExpand Visitor data being collected to determine types of sites attracting visitors or what they see when visitingFor Example:• Historical Sites• Cultural Sites/ …
Austin Convention Center Department Responses to VITF Questions related to April 11, 2017 Financial Presentation 1 | Page VITF Member Questions: 1) Page 12 shows combined operating Revenue (Convention center and PEC) to be $33.2M, on pages 16 and 17 it would be $22M for convention center + $15M for PEC + $37M for 2015‐2016 Need to understand the difference ACCD Response: The amounts on slides 16 and 17, of $22M for ACC and only $15k (thousand, not million) for Palmer Events Center (PEC), are amounts budgeted in those funds at the beginning of the fiscal year (FY). The majority of PEC revenue is actually budgeted in a separate fund (the Convention Center Palmer Events Center Revenue Fund) and transferred into the PEC operating fund depicted on slide 17 (included in the $8M on the “Transfers In” line). The amounts on slide 12 represent the accounting revenue as of the end of FY16. The final amounts for FY16 will not appear in the budget document until FY18 due to the timing differences. The FY18 Proposed Budget will be posted online in August 2017. The actual amounts that will appear in the FY18 budget documents for FY16 “actuals” will be $26,914,974 for ACC and $4,129,932 for PEC Operating, totaling $31,044,906. This is still different from what was reported on slide 12 as ACCD’s accounting revenue of $33,221,000, in part, because of the differences in the basis of reporting: budget‐basis (on slides 16 & 17) versus accounting‐basis (on slide 12). Slide 12: Slide 16: Austin Convention Center Department Responses to VITF Questions related to April 11, 2017 Financial Presentation 2 | Page Slide 17: Amounts that will be reported in FY18 budget documents: 2) On page 16 the ending balance for one year and starting balance for next year is same for some years but not for other years for convention center however on page 17 the PEC data is consistent. Need explanation ACCD Response: There are actually 2 columns on slides 16 and 17 for FY16 – one “Estimated” column and one “Amended” column. The “Amended” column represents the amounts that were approved by Council the previous September 2015, before the previous year (FY15) was even over. Austin Convention Center Department Responses to VITF Questions related to April 11, 2017 Financial Presentation 3 | Page Therefore, the actual beginning balance used at that point is only an estimate and will change …
Visitor Impact Task Force April 11, 2017 3:00pm Austin Convention Center Meeting Room 5abc 500 E. Cesar Chavez Austin, TX 78701 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Gavin Garcia - Music Industry Representative Catlin Whitington - Music Industry Representative Lulu Flores - Arts Community Representative MariBen Ramsey - Arts Community Representative James Russell - Special Events Industry Representative Julie Niehoff - Special Events Industry Representative Tom Noonan - Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau Representative Shelly Schadegg - Hotel Industry Representative Bill Worsham - Public Safety Community Representative Alyson McGee - Preservation Community Representative Dan Keshet - Parks Community Representative Mark Tester - Convention Center Representative Dewitt Peart - Downtown Commission Representative Ashwin Ghatalia - Tourism Workforce Representative Stephen Sternschein - Tourism Workforce Representative Jonathan Mahone - Community Member Representative Pam Thompson - Environmental Community Representative Skeeter Miller - Restaurant Industry Representative Richard Mendoza - Public Works Department Representative (ex-officio) Gordon Derr - Transportation Department Representative (ex-officio) AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER: 3:00pm 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. From the March 28, 2017 meeting 3. STAFF BRIEFINGS a. Discussion and possible action in response to concerns expressed to the Task Force related to the scope of the task force, process in which the task force has undertaken matters and information that has been shared with the Task Force by City staff. b. Presentation and discussion of the City’s Financial reporting and the Austin Convention Center Department Cash, Financial Position, Capital Project Financing and Debt (Diana Thomas, City Controller and Carla Steffen). c. Presentation and discussion on pending legislation before the Texas Legislature related to Hotel Occupancy Tax (Brie Franco, Government Affairs). 4. OLD BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action to make recommendations from initial ideas (post- it notes exercise) from each Task Force member on recommendations to deliver to City Council in future report. 5. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL a. Citizens wishing to speak will need to sign up ten minutes before the meeting calls for Citizen Communications at 5:30pm. Citizen communications will be limited to the first ten speakers and each citizen communicator will be given three minutes to speak. 6. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS a. Discussion and possible action to make recommendations on items for future agendas 7. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring …
Visitor Impact Task Force April 11, 2017 3:00pm Austin Convention Center Meeting Room 5abc 500 E. Cesar Chavez Austin, TX 78701 MINUTES In Attendance: Gavin Garcia - Music Industry Representative Lulu Flores - Arts Community Representative MariBen Ramsey - Arts Community Representative James Russell - Special Events Industry Representative Julie Niehoff - Special Events Industry Representative Tom Noonan - Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau Representative Shelly Schadegg - Hotel Industry Representative Alyson McGee - Preservation Community Representative Dan Keshet - Parks Community Representative Mark Tester - Convention Center Representative Dewitt Peart - Downtown Commission Representative Ashwin Ghatalia - Tourism Workforce Representative Jonathan Mahone - Community Member Representative Pam Thompson - Environmental Community Representative Skeeter Miller - Restaurant Industry Representative Richard Mendoza - Public Works Department Representative (ex-officio) Absent: Catlin Whitington - Music Industry Representative Bill Worsham - Public Safety Community Representative Stephen Sternschein - Tourism Workforce Representative Larry Schooler, CPIO, Facilitator Staff and Others In Attendance: Mark Washington, ACM Carla Steffen, Austin Convention Center Department Diane Thomas, City of Austin, Controllers Office Felicia Ojeda, Austin Convention Center Department Bill Manno, City of Austin, Austin Center for Events Gary Keller, All ATX Danny Gillespie, intricate Reenie Collins, Donated time to Gary Keller Heather Alden, Donated time to Gary Keller Kurt Wheeler, Donated time to Gary Keller Staff and Others In Attendance: (con’t) Sharon Blythe, Cemeteries Rodney Siebels, Austin Convention Center Expansion Charles Betts, Austin History Center Rosgaldo Gomez, Crossroads Events Bill Bunch, Save Our Springs Alliance Mike Mardecai, Elephant Room, BBA Clifford Gillard, East Austin Black Interest George Cofer, Historic/ Parks/ Preservation Scott Joslovz, Texas Hotel & Lodging Association Rebecca Melancon, ABIA IBIZ Districts – Local Businesses Steve Berco, Local Businesses Lorri Turner, Local Businesses Leonard Davila, Musician/ Promoter John Bernardoni Peter Helf, Donated time to John Bernardoni Dr. John Butler AGENDA 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER a. Meeting called to order at 3:03pm by Chair James Russell 2. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL (Split-3:04pm) a. Gary Keller- The Austin Music Plan b. Sharon Blythe, PARDs comment on cemeteries c. National Instruments, Rodney Siebels, Austin Convention Center Expansion d. Charles Betts- Chair Austin History Center Association e. George Cofer- Historic/ Parks/ Preservation 3. Approval of Minutes from March 28, 2017 Meeting, all voters approved minus Chair James Russell (due to absence of March 28, 2017 meeting) and the absence of Task Force Members, Catlin Whitington, Bill Worsham, and Stephen Sternschein. 4. STAFF BRIEFING …
A Proposal for the Development and Expansion of Local Business Programs and Events for Tourism Presented by Rebecca Melan�on Executive Director Austin Independent Business Alliance 512-441-2123rebecca@ibuyaustin.com www.ibuyaustin.com • www.austinibiz.com April 11, 2017
Presentation to Visitor Impact Task ForceApril 11, 2017 Review of Financial Information and Resources While a common phrase is“Numbers don’t lie”…# $ % It’s important to know…Numbersby themselves don’t tell the whole story.The # of ______ results in $, an increase of % over the previous year, which was a result of _______.Informed users of financial information put numbers in context. 3 ACCD has previously provided links to budget and financial statement information ACCD has provided information about outstanding debtComplex financial information requires a methodical approach to evaluating resultsA review and understanding of that information provides a clear picture of ACCD’s financial position and approach to strategic financial planning4 LinksVisitor Impact Task Force websitehttp://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=270179ACCD Responses to Questions –January 31, 2017http://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=270179Budget Pages https://www.austintexas.gov/financeonline/finance/financial_docs.cfm?ws=1&pg=1oOperational BudgetoCapital Budget and Capital Improvement Project (CIP) PlanoDebtFinancial Statements https://www.austintexas.gov/financeonline/finance/financial_docs.cfm?ws=1&pg=1oStatement of Net Position (Balance Sheet)oStatement of Revenues, Expenses and Changes in Net Position (Income Statement)oStatement of Cash FlowsoNotes to Financial Statements5 Review of Cash Balance in context of ACCD’s financial position and approach to capital project financing. Note: The financial statements are for the Austin Convention Center Department, which includes Palmer Events Center. The following slides in this section of the presentation will walk through this reconciliation and show where the amounts are found in the various financial documents published by the City and found online on the City’s Austin Finance Online webpage. The information comes from financial reports presented from both an “accounting basis” and a “budget basis”. The various reports are also published at different points in time, but all amounts represent Fiscal Year 2016 financial information. Due to the differences in reporting basis and timing, there are reconciling differences that come into play, but as shown on a later slide, those differences are considered “immaterial” for the purpose of this analysis. Such differences are common in financial analysis and do not represent issues with the information. 7CAFR –Comprehensive Annual Financial ReportCIP –Capital Improvement ProjectACCD –Austin Convention Center DepartmentAustin Convention Center DepartmentSummary Reconciliation of Financial Position Cash reported on financial statements is at a point in time, in this case, as of September 30, 2016.Just like a personal bank account, a cash balance on any given day doesn’t represent an amount that’s free and clear to spend –such things as encumbrances/commitments reduce the “free and clear” cash balance.Restricted cash and other assets (blue arrows) represent assets that are restricted by an external source for a purpose …
March 30, 2017 Elaine Hart, Interim City Manager Mark Washington, Assistant City Manager James Russell, Chair, Visitor Impact Task Force City of Austin, Austin, Texas Via Email RE: Complaint on management and direction of the Visitor Impact Task Force process Dear Ms. Hart, Mr. Washington and Mr. Russell: I respectfully submit that the Visitor Impact Task Force process has drifted off course from the charge given to it by City Council Resolution No. 20160818-075 of August 18, 2016. I ask that each of you take steps immediately to redirect the process to fully, fairly and openly address the charge from council and to make the process accessible to the interested public. The August 18 resolution describes the Task Force’s scope of work to include seven points. The seventh point – to make “recommendations to the City Council about how to best utilize all hotel occupancy revenue to impact tourism by April 1, 2017”—is based on carrying out the previous six points. The resolution’s “whereas” clauses also give direction to the Task Force process, especially the last one: “Whereas, providing public oversight and input regarding both the use of and the effect of the City use of hotel occupancy tax revenue would ensure public confidence in the City use of tax dollars.” City staff has largely failed to provide essential and accurate information to the Task Force members on the points charged to them by the council resolution. The meetings have all been tucked away in obscure meeting rooms, difficult to access by the public, and with no video-recording or live streaming capabilities, making it difficult for the community to follow along or revisit the content of the meetings. To my knowledge there has been virtually no effort to connect the process to the community or interested stakeholder groups save and except the hotel industry. Thus, the goal of “public oversight” has thus far been almost completely lost. Rather than providing clear and comprehensive information on the six points charged to the Task Force, the Task Force process has consisted almost entirely of an extended sales pitch for expanding the convention center. This sales pitch is woefully lopsided, obscuring critical information, providing misleading information, and completely leaving out other critical information. I will address this more completely below, but first I want to address the council resolution topics that have been ignored or otherwise given short shrift. Page 2 of 3 …
The Census is available at: http://www.austintexas.gov/department/atxmusic-census-and-needs-assessment-survey They nonprofit offering to funnel HOT funds to music orgs is ALL ATX, headed by Gary Keller.http://allatx.org
Visitors Impact Task ForceFinancial Reporting in GovernmentController’s OfficeApril 11, 20171 Sources of Financial InformationThere are several sources for financial information about City operations including:oComprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR): oReport prepared by the Controller’s Office annuallyoBased on generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)oMuch of the report is audited by the City’s external auditoroApproved Budget: oReport prepared by the Budget Office for Operating and Capital budgetingoBased on budgeting principles focused on current available resources and spending (this is consistent with other municipalities and governments across the country)oOnce CAFR is complete, Controller’s Office provides prior year actual beginning balance, available funds, requirements, and ending balance amountsoProposed budget amounts are initially provided by departments and modified as needed by managementoCapital improvement plan:oReport prepared by the Budget OfficeoFocuses on longer term capital needs of the CityoProposed budget amounts are initially provided by departments and modified as needed by managementoOther financial reports not listed separately2 Report FrameworkKey items included in each report:oComprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR):oStatement of Net Position (Balance Sheet)oStatement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Net Position (Income Statement)oStatement of Cash FlowsoPlus footnotes and other disclosuresoApproved Budget: oDepartment Budgets include an overview, mission and goals, message from the director, budget highlights, significant changes, budget details by activity, and other summary informationoFund Summaries (income statement-like budget-basis report)oPlus other information about the City’s operations oCapital improvement plan:oSpending plan (when will the City need funds to pay for improvements)oAppropriation summaries reflect current funding levels and planned future requirementsoDepartment narratives explain their program and highlight major planned projectsNote: Although these reports may be prepared for the same period of time –a fiscal year –there are differences in the basis of reporting for each. 3 CAFRoStatement of Revenue, Expenses and Changes in Net PositionoFull accrual basis accountingoIncludes depreciation (use of capital assets over their useful life)oAcquisition of capital does not impact income statementoDebt payments -only reflect interest expense (paid and due as of statement date)oOne column for enterprise activity (i.e. Convention Center)oRecognition of current period costs for long term liabilities associated with employee benefits -net pension liabilities and other postemployment benefits (medical, dental, life, etc.)4https://assets.austintexas.gov/financeonline/downloads/cafr/cafr2016.pdf BudgetoBudget: Budget is “income statement” focusedoCloser to cash basis accounting, but includes some accruals like payroll, receivables, etcoExcludes depreciationoIncludes acquisition of capital (full purchase price is an expenditure of the period)oDebt payments include both principal and interest dueoMultiple fund summaries (10+) that make up one column on CAFR including: Convention Center (CC) HOT Revenue Bond …
Visitor Impact Task Force March 28, 2017 3:00pm Austin Convention Center Meeting Room 19ab 500 E. Cesar Chavez Austin, TX 78701 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Gavin Garcia - Music Industry Representative Catlin Whitington - Music Industry Representative Lulu Flores - Arts Community Representative MariBen Ramsey - Arts Community Representative James Russell - Special Events Industry Representative Julie Niehoff - Special Events Industry Representative Tom Noonan - Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau Representative Shelly Schadegg - Hotel Industry Representative Bill Worsham - Public Safety Community Representative Alyson McGee - Preservation Community Representative Dan Keshet - Parks Community Representative Mark Tester - Convention Center Representative Dewitt Peart - Downtown Commission Representative Ashwin Ghatalia - Tourism Workforce Representative Stephen Sternschein - Tourism Workforce Representative Jonathan Mahone - Community Member Representative Pam Thompson - Environmental Community Representative Skeeter Miller - Restaurant Industry Representative Richard Mendoza - Public Works Department Representative (ex-officio) Gordon Derr - Transportation Department Representative (ex-officio) AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER: 3:00pm 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. From the March 14, 2017 meeting 3. STAFF BRIEFINGS a. Discussion with PARD about their role in tourism/heritage/historic preservation-based tourism 4. NEW BUSINESS a. El Paso/San Antonio panel discussion about best practices in other cities 5. OLD BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action to make recommendations from initial ideas (post- it notes exercise) from each Task Force member on recommendations to deliver to City Council in future report. 6. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL a. Citizens wishing to speak will need to sign up ten minutes before the meeting calls for Citizen Communications at 5:30pm. Citizen communications will be limited to the first ten speakers and each citizen communicator will be given three minutes to speak. 7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS a. Discussion and possible action to make recommendations on items for future agendas 8. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Larry Schooler at Communication and Public Information Office Department, at 512.974.6004, larry.schooler@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Visitor Impact Task Force, please contact Felicia Ojeda at 512.404.4022, felicia.ojeda@austintexas.gov.
Visitor Impact Task Force March 28, 2017 3:00pm Austin Convention Center Meeting Room 19ab 500 E. Cesar Chavez Austin, TX 78701 MINUTES In Attendance: Gavin Garcia - Music Industry Representative Catlin Whitington - Music Industry Representative Lulu Flores - Arts Community Representative MariBen Ramsey - Arts Community Representative Julie Niehoff - Special Events Industry Representative Tom Noonan - Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau Representative Shelly Schadegg - Hotel Industry Representative Bill Worsham - Public Safety Community Representative Alyson McGee - Preservation Community Representative Dan Keshet - Parks Community Representative Mark Tester - Convention Center Representative Dewitt Peart - Downtown Commission Representative Ashwin Ghatalia - Tourism Workforce Representative Jonathan Mahone - Community Member Representative Pam Thompson - Environmental Community Representative Richard Mendoza - Public Works Department Representative (ex-officio) Absent: James Russell - Special Events Industry Representative Stephen Sternschein - Tourism Workforce Representative Skeeter Miller - Restaurant Industry Representative Gordon Derr - Transportation Department Representative (ex-officio) Staff and Others In Attendance: Mark Washington, ACM Larry Schooler, CPIO, Facilitator Felicia Ojeda, Austin Convention Center Department Bill Clabby, Austin Sister Cities International Jake Rosenberg, Austin Sister Cities International – donated time Rebecca Melancon, ABIA IBIZ Districts Dean Lofton, ABIA IBIZ Districts – donated time Bill Bunch, SOS Alliance JJ Langston, Parks Preservations Presentation Joanna Wolaver, Parks Preservations Presentation Staff and Others In Attendance: (con’t) Andy Gill, Parks Preservations Presentation – donated time Mike Cannatti, Parks Preservation Brian Ott, Parks Preservations Presentation – donated time Ted Siff, Parks Preservations Presentation – donated time Zenobia C. Joseph, Palm School Preservation Mary Guerrero-McDonald, Expansion of Convention Center AGENDA 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER a. Meeting called to order at 3:06pm by Vice Chair, MariBen Ramsey 2. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL (Split-3:07pm) a. Bill Clabby, Austin Sister Cities International b. Rebecca Melancon, ABIA IBIZ Districts c. Bill Bunch, SOS Alliance 3. Approval of Minutes from March 14, 2017 Meeting, all voters approved 4. STAFF BRIEFING a. Parks and Recreation Department, Kim McKnight presented Parks and Recreation Department Spending Plan for FY17 Hotel Occupancy Tax Revenue 5. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: Parks Presentation (Split-4:11pm) a. JJ Langston, Parks Preservations Presentation b. Joanna Wolaver, Parks Preservations Presentation 6. NEW BUSINESS a. Conference Call Discussion with the cities of El Paso (Benjamin Fyffe)/ and San Antonio(Mike Sawaya) for best practices in other cities in Texas. 7. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL (Split-5:30pm) a. Mary Guerrero-McDonald, Expansion of Convention Center b. Zenobia C. Joseph, Palm School Preservation …
From:Zenobia JosephTo:Richardson, AshleyCc:Ojeda, Felicia; Washington, MarkSubject:Thank you!_Re: Convention Center and Palm School District 9 Town HallDate:Tuesday, March 28, 2017 3:55:51 PMAttachments:image001.pngimage005.pngPalm School Preservation (VITF Citizens Communication)_28Mar2017-355pm_zcj.pdfTo: Ashley B. RichardsonPolicy AideMayor Pro Tem Tovo, District 91. Gratitude: Thanks tremendously for promptly sending the Palm School Town Hall weblink. I'm not surehow it's archived on ATXN, but I couldn't find it. So you've been a godsend. I'm actually listening to thevideo while sitting in the Visitor Impact Task Force (VITF) Regular Meeting at Austin Convention Centerand, thus far, appreciate hearing Commissioner Margaret Gómez share an overview of the site's historyin addition to Judge Sarah Eckhardt provide insight into the Palm School no longer serving aprogrammatic function due to movement of social services clients. 2. Pending: I copied Felicia Ojeda to share the link with VITF members and attached my CitizensCommunication testimony from today (March 28, 2017), noting archived Travis County CommissionersCourt weblinks that may be helpful to you as you prepare for the upcoming Palm School CommitteeMeeting. The genesis of my request for the link came from a VITF member asking if I thought PalmSchool could be used for an African-American Museum. I referred the member to my interest in theDedrick-Hamilton House and, too, with funding of the African-American Cultural and Historical Facility, Imentioned use of the Palm School as an African-American Museum may be unlikely. The member thenasked if I knew the history. I mentioned that Palm School had, in part, military history. Subsequently, Iread an Austin American-Statesman article that chronicled the site's changes over time. This resourcemay be helpful to you as well. Please send me the date and location once the next Palm SchoolCommittee Meeting is confirmed. You may also want to copy Ms. Ojeda, too. ~Thanks.Reference: Walsh, S. (2015, October 20). Should former Palm School site be sold to developersor preserved? Retrieved from http://www.mystatesman.com/news/local/should-former-palm-school-site-sold-developers-preserved/nysD5MjePakpbp5ziX8VmM/ Very respectfully, Zenobia C. JosephOn Tue, Mar 28, 2017 at 2:11 PM, Richardson, Ashley<Ashley.Richardson@austintexas.gov> wrote: Dear Ms. Joseph, This link will allow you to watch the Town Hall meeting that occurred on February 25,2017. http://austintx.swagit.com/play/03032017-548 I’ll be in touch soon regarding any future meetings related to Palm School. Best, Ashley Ashley B. RichardsonPolicy AideMayor Pro Tem Tovo, District 9City of Austin | City Council Staff – District 9301 W 2nd Street | Room 2199 | Austin, TX | 78701Main | 512.978.2109 | Direct | 512.978.2199Email | ashley.richardson@austintexas.gov March 28, 2017 Visitor Impact Task Force, …
Austin Parks Attract Tourists Get Outside! If you live for the outdoors, you’ll find Austin has plenty to offer. Get out there an explore our top picks. The Butler Trail @ Lady Bird Lake Austin Helicopter Tours Barton Creek Greenbelt Barton Springs Pool Deep Eddy Pool Zilker Park Mount Bonnell McKinney Falls Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Other Hill Country Ideas ACVB Uses Austin Parks to Attract Tourists Zilker Metropolitan Park is considered "Austin's most-loved park." This 351-acre park is home to a variety of recreation opportunities and special events for individuals and families. Austin City Limits Festival at(cid:1)Zilker Park. Credit Charles Reagan Hackleman, courtesy ACL.ACVB Uses Austin Parks to Attract Tourists Barton Springs Pool is always at or near the top lists of things to do in Austin. Locals and visitors hang out all summer long to socialize, swim, relax and most importantly, cool off from the hot Texas sun. The man-made pool is a three acre controlled reservoir, fed by a natural spring that keeps the water at a cool 68 degrees temperature. This is the best place in Austin to stay cool through the hot summers. Barton Springs Pool. Courtesy of Austin Parks and Recreation DepartmentACVB Uses Austin Parks to Attract Tourists Austin City Limits Festival alone brings over 325,000 guests to the City with nearly all participants enjoying our parkland “PARD estimates that more than 80,000 non-residents visited Barton Springs Pool in 2016 based on point of sale data.” (cid:29)(cid:33)(cid:30)(cid:32)(cid:1)(cid:9)(cid:24)(cid:13)(cid:25)(cid:26)(cid:18)(cid:13)(cid:1)(cid:11)(cid:26)(cid:1)(cid:8)(cid:15)(cid:21)(cid:11)(cid:18)(cid:1)(cid:3)(cid:24)(cid:13)(cid:13)(cid:17)(cid:1)(cid:29)(cid:33)(cid:31)(cid:32)(cid:1)(cid:2)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:26)(cid:21)(cid:20)(cid:1)(cid:8)(cid:22)(cid:24)(cid:16)(cid:20)(cid:14)(cid:25)(cid:1)(cid:7)(cid:21)(cid:21)(cid:18)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:2)(cid:11)(cid:26)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:21)(cid:27)(cid:25)(cid:13)(cid:1)(cid:5)(cid:16)(cid:25)(cid:26)(cid:21)(cid:24)(cid:16)(cid:12)(cid:1)(cid:4)(cid:21)(cid:28)(cid:20)(cid:26)(cid:21)(cid:28)(cid:20)(cid:1)(cid:2)(cid:24)(cid:27)(cid:25)(cid:15)(cid:1)(cid:8)(cid:23)(cid:27)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:13)(cid:1)(cid:2)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:26)(cid:21)(cid:20)(cid:1)(cid:8)(cid:22)(cid:24)(cid:16)(cid:20)(cid:14)(cid:25)(cid:1)(cid:7)(cid:21)(cid:21)(cid:18)(cid:1)(cid:6)(cid:16)(cid:20)(cid:13)(cid:25)(cid:1)Austin Parks Need Help (cid:10)(cid:11)(cid:18)(cid:18)(cid:13)(cid:24)(cid:1)(cid:3)(cid:24)(cid:13)(cid:13)(cid:17)(cid:1)(cid:11)(cid:26)(cid:1)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:1)(cid:7)(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:17)(cid:1) DOWNTOWN HISTORIC SQUARES(cid:1)Austin Parks: Sample Repair & Improvement Projects TUDOR COTTAGE & RESTROOM AT PEASE PARK(cid:1)REHABILITATION OF BARTON SPRINGS BATHHOUSE Austin Parks: Sample Repair & Improvement Projects AUDITORIUM SHORES IMPROVEMENTS(cid:1)AND MORE...(cid:1)BUTLER TRAIL AT LADY BIRD LAKE IMPROVEMENTS(cid:1)Austin Parks Need at Least $100 Million in Repairs and Improvements (cid:29)(cid:33)(cid:30)(cid:32)(cid:1)(cid:9)(cid:24)(cid:13)(cid:25)(cid:26)(cid:18)(cid:13)(cid:1)(cid:11)(cid:26)(cid:1)(cid:8)(cid:15)(cid:21)(cid:11)(cid:18)(cid:1)(cid:3)(cid:24)(cid:13)(cid:13)(cid:17)(cid:1)VISITOR EDUCATION CENTER FOR ZILKER PARK NEW PUBLIC PLAZA AT 1927 TRESTLE, SHOAL CREEK & LIBRARY(cid:1)Austin Parks: Sample New & Enhancement Projects CHAIN OF PARKS ALONG WALLER CREEK(cid:1) ZILKER PARK TRAILHEAD & VIOLET CROWN TRAIL(cid:1)Austin Parks: Sample New & Enhancement Projects EXPANSION & ADDITIONS TO THE UMLAUF SCULPTURE GARDEN(cid:1)AND MORE...(cid:1) Please Support the Following Hotel Occupancy Tax Use Recommendations to the Austin City Council (Per the VITF charge in Resolution No. 20160818-075)) 1. Create a new “Parks & Historic Preservation Tourism Fund” to repair and improve qualifying city park and historic assets 2. Continue to fully fund the Tourism/Promotion Fund (for the ACVB) 3. Remove …
FY 17 Hotel Occupancy Tax PARD Spending Plan and Horizon Issues Introduction City Council allocated Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funding to be directly spent by the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) in Fiscal Year 2016-17 to support projects and initiatives that meet allowable uses as defined under Chapter 351 of the Texas Tax Code. HOT revenue is an important tool for the promotion of tourism and supports the growth of the tourism, convention and hotel industry. PARD is an important partner in this effort as public parks, museums, and cultural centers are among the top tourist attractions in the city. PARD intends to strengthen our partnership with the Austin Convention Center, the Austin Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and the tourism and hospitality sector through the enhancement and promotion of historic parks, museums and cultural centers. This document is PARD’s plan and recommended process for expending HOT revenue that was directly allocated in FY 2016-17. The amounts allocated in FY 2016-17: $ 5,370 Marketing and Promotions: Paying for advertising, solicitations, and promotions that attract tourists and convention delegates to the city or its vicinity $ 993,841 Capital Expenditures: Funding historical restoration or preservation programs 1 | Page FY 17 Hotel Occupancy Tax PARD Spending Plan and Horizon Issues Table of Contents Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................ 3 Spending Plan: Advertising and Promotion of the Arts Program ..................................................... 4 Spending Plan: Historical Restoration and Preservation Programs ................................................ 5 Oakwood Cemetery Chapel ......................................................................................................... 6 Elisabet Ney Museum .................................................................................................................. 8 O. Henry Museum ...................................................................................................................... 10 Mayfield Park ............................................................................................................................. 12 Proposed Process for Transference of Funds and Status Reports ............................................... 14 Horizon Issues............................................................................................................................... 15 2 | Page FY 17 Hotel Occupancy Tax PARD Spending Plan and Horizon Issues Executive Summary PARD is the steward for more than 300 parks and maintains more than 20,000 acres of greenspace including local treasures like Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool, Brush Square Museums, Mayfield Park, Deep Eddy Pool, Butler Hike and Bike Trail, Mount Bonnell, Austin Nature and Science Center, and the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Each of these sites are visited by tourists and rank amongst the most popular and iconic destinations in the Capital City. With close proximity to downtown hotels, it is reasonable to conclude thousands of visitors frequent the City’s central parks and facilities on an annual basis. For example, PARD estimates that more than 80,000 non-residents visited Barton Springs Pool in 2016 based on point of …
PARD Spending Plan forFY17 Hotel Occupancy Tax RevenueKim McKnight, MSHP, AICP, CNU-AEnvironmental Conservation Program Manager Cultural Resource Management | Historic Preservation Planning Park Planning DivisionAustin Park Overview FY17: City Council allocated approximately $1 million in Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Revenue directly to PARD:$ 5,370 Marketing & Promotions$ 993,841 Capital Expenditures: Funding historical restoration or preservation projectsPARD developed a spending plan for FY17 as well as horizon projects for consideration.Traditionally, PARD’s only access to HOT funding has been through a small grant program of the Austin Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. What is Hotel Occupancy Tax?Hotel owners collect local and statehotel occupancy tax from their guests who rent a roomThe City of Austin’s Hotel Occupancy Tax rate is 9 cents and is used primarily to fund: Austin Convention CenterAustin Convention and Visitor’s BureauCultural Arts Programs administered by the Economic Development Dept.Expenditures must meet two-part test for HOT expenditure:Criterion #1: Every expenditure must DIRECTLY enhance and promote tourism AND the convention and hotel industry. Criterion #2: Every expenditure must clearly fit into one of nine categories under Texas Tax Code Chapter 351 for expenditures of local hotel occupancy tax revenues. Advertising & Promotion of the Arts Total Amount: $ 5,370Proposed Expenditure: Updating and printing PARD’s History, Arts & Culture GuideHighlights cultural amenities such as the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center as well as historical exhibitions at Austin’s Brush Square MuseumsProvides guidance to accessing Austin’s popular parks and trails Guide will be regularly distributed at hotel accommodations, tourist centers, and the convention center Historical Restoration & Preservation ProjectsTotal Amount: $993,841 Proposed Expenditures: Restoration projects for PARD historic sites that are open to the public on a regular basis and are frequented by tourists:$319,140 Oakwood Chapel$205,000 O. Henry Museum$389,701 Elisabet Ney Museum$ 80,000 Mayfield Park Oakwood Cemetery ChapelCity of Austin Historic Landmark,Historic Texas Cemetery, National Register of Historic Places1914 Gothic-Revival Chapel; Final resting place for many prominent TexansClose proximity to the Texas Capitol, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, State Cemetery, and the UT campusChapel to become visitor center and community spacePromoted as visitor destination for tours and heritage tourism programming Elisabet Ney MuseumCity of Austin Historic Landmark, State Antiquities Landmark, National Register of Historic Places1892 Classical Revival Sculpture Studio with more than 80 pieces of Ney’s original workCenterpiece of Hyde Park Historic District43% out of town visitors in 2016Historic Artists’ Homes and Studios ProgramTours for national and international conferences O. Henry MuseumCity …
Visitor Impact Task Force Frequently Asked Questions ●What is the hotel occupancy tax? The hotel occupancy tax is charged for “Any building or buildings in which members of the public obtain sleeping accommodations for consideration” for less than 30 days, including a hotel, motel, tourist home, tourist house, tourist court, lodging house, inn, rooming house, or bed and breakfast facilities” (Texas Hotel and Lodging Association). Groups or people who provide such services are tasked with charging the tax towards guests and also reporting and filing the tax. Texas Law declares that a statement is required in a conspicuous location referencing the application of the tax to stay nights. ●What are the state laws governing hotel occupancy tax, in terms of how much the City can charge or collect? The Texas State Tax Code states that a municipality cannot impose a tax if the result of the adoption is the combined state, county and municipal hotel occupancy tax that exceeds 17 percent of the price of the room. For the City of Austin, Hotel Occupancy Tax is currently 9 percent of the price of the room and for the State of Texas the hotel occupancy tax is 6 percent. Legally, the city could raise its hotel occupancy tax by as much as two percent. ● What can the HOT revenue be spent on? The hotel occupancy tax revenue can only be spent on allowable activities that directly promote tourism, the convention and visitor's bureau and the hotel industry. Hotel occupancy tax revenue expenditures must put “heads in beds” (i.e., attract visitors that pay to stay overnight ) and must also fit into any one of the 9 categories of outlined by the Texas legislature a) convention center facilities and visitor information centers b) convention registration c)advertising the municipality and its vicinity as a destination to attract visitors d) promotion of the arts e) historical restoration f) sporting events in county with under one million in population g) enhancing or upgrading existing sports facilities or sports fields (only in certain cities) h)tourist transportation systems and i) signage directing the public to sights and attractions that are visited frequently by hotel guests in the city. ●How are we spending hotel occupancy tax dollars now? Currently the hotel occupancy tax is split into four parts. Of the 9 percent City of Austin charges, 1.05 percent is allocated to the cultural arts, 4.50 percent is …
Visitor Impact Task Force March 14, 2017 3:00pm Hyatt Regency Austin Hill Country Ballroom 208 Barton Springs Austin, TX 78704 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Gavin Garcia - Music Industry Representative Catlin Whitington - Music Industry Representative Lulu Flores - Arts Community Representative MariBen Ramsey - Arts Community Representative James Russell - Special Events Industry Representative Julie Niehoff - Special Events Industry Representative Tom Noonan - Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau Representative Shelly Schadegg - Hotel Industry Representative Bill Worsham - Public Safety Community Representative Alyson McGee - Preservation Community Representative Dan Keshet - Parks Community Representative Mark Tester - Convention Center Representative Dewitt Peart - Downtown Commission Representative Ashwin Ghatalia - Tourism Workforce Representative Stephen Sternschein - Tourism Workforce Representative Jonathan Mahone - Community Member Representative Pam Thompson - Environmental Community Representative Skeeter Miller - Restaurant Industry Representative Richard Mendoza - Public Works Department Representative (ex-officio) Gordon Derr - Transportation Department Representative (ex-officio) AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER: 3:00pm 2. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL a. Citizens wishing to speak will need to sign up ten minutes before the meeting is called to order. Citizen communications will be limited to the first ten speakers and each citizen communicator will be given three minutes to speak. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. From the February 28, 2017 meeting 4. STAFF BRIEFINGS a. Discussion from the Austin Convention Center Department regarding visitor’s contributions to the general funds (Carla Steffen) b. Discussion from the Parks and Recreation Department on their relationship with tourism, particularly heritage/historic tourism 5. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion on the impact of tourism on the Hotel Industry in Austin (Austin Hotel Representatives) 6. OLD BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action to make recommendations from initial ideas (post- it notes exercise) from each Task Force member on recommendations to deliver to City Council in future report. 7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS a. Discussion and possible action to make recommendations on items for future agendas 8. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Larry Schooler at Communication and Public Information Office Department, at 512.974.6004, larry.schooler@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For …
